Bahrain: Location, History, Size, Population, & Government

An archipelago of 33 islands in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, Bahrain is strictly ruled by the Al-Khalifa family who ousted the Persians in 1783. The British assumed control officially in 1861 and took advantage of the strategic location by setting up their Gulf headquarters in Bahrain. In 1971 Bahrain became an independent state, but the people, 96% of whom are Muslim, are still ruled by the Al-Khalifas. The main exports are oil and other petroleum products.